Rain is the Biggest Threat for Car Accidents in Florida

The dusting of snow that hit some areas of northern Florida in early January 2018 created quite a stir, with some cities seeing white flakes for the first time in nearly 30 years. The buzz carried throughout various social media platforms, as well: The Tampa Bay Times reported on the #SnowInFlorida hashtag that had people reaching for their smartphones to post videos of snowmen and snow angels. However, the reality is that motorists in the Sunshine State are more likely to encounter rainy weather when traveling the roadways. Rain has implications for road surfaces, traffic flow, and vehicle operation, which increases the risk of auto collisions. Some general information and tips on how to protect your family from weather-related car accidents in Florida should be helpful.

Contributing Factors in Rain-Related Car Accidents

Weather conditions are a threat for drivers for a number of reasons.

Traction: Wet roads are slippery, and even a light rain can create a hazard. A layer of water develops on the surface, which reduces tire traction. Your vehicle may slip when you attempt to turn or stop. Plus, when a driver is trying to avoid an accident, the vehicle does not respond as well as it does on a dry road.

Visibility: During the rainy season, you will often see vehicles pulled to the shoulders on I-75 as drivers wait out a downpour due to lack of visibility. Not only do the falling drops affect a driver’s view, but the drops hitting the pavement can splash up and distort the appearance of the road. Aged or broken windshield wipers may compound the problem, and there can be additional issues with windows fogging up in the rain.

Driving Skills: Inexperienced drivers can be a factor in rainy weather car crashes, because they have not developed skills to maneuver wet roads. Of course, even experienced drivers can be over-confident and cause accidents.

Safety Tips for Rainy Conditions

A reminder on some basic tips for driving in the rain can help you avoid an accident, so:

Turn on your head lights;

Always use turn indicators;

Regularly check tires, windshield wipers, and other equipment;

Don’t use hazard lights unless you are stopped;

Drive at a speed appropriate for conditions, rather than the posted limit; and,

As always, wear your seatbelt.

Fault in Rainy Weather Crashes in Florida

While rain may be a factor in any car accident, liability in comes down to the operator of the vehicle. An auto crash is typically the result of negligent acts by one or more drivers, who may ignore the above tips or other safety precautions. These motorists may be liable if the accident causes injuries.

Discuss Your Case with a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in an auto collision, you may have a claim for compensation regardless of the weather. The attorneys at Piccin & Glynn, Attorneys at Law can tell you more about your legal options to recover compensation for your injuries, and assist with filing a claim against the responsible driver. Please call (866) 225-6459 or fill out our online contact form to set up an appointment at our Ocala, FL office.

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John H. Piccin

John H. Piccin was born in Willimantic, Connecticut. He attended the University of Vienna in Vienna, Austria and graduated from Villanova University with honors. He then received a Juris Doctor degree from The University of Michigan Law School.

Katherine Glynn

Over the past twenty one years, I have litigated criminal and civil matters in private and government practice, worked closely with the Marion County Judiciary for the last eight years, and worked in private business as a founding board member of a community bank for ten years.

Disclaimer: This web site is designed to present general information about Piccin & Glynn, and should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Hiring a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Contact us by phone or through this website so we can provide you with more about our qualifications and experience.

Location & Directions

320 N.W. 3rd Avenue, P.O. Box 159
Ocala, Florida 34475

Disclaimer: This web site is designed to present general information about Piccin & Glynn, and should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Hiring a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Contact us by phone or through this website so we can provide you with more about our qualifications and experience.